Complexation of N-bis[2-(1,2-dicarboxyethoxy)ethyl]aspartic acid with Fe(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) in aqueous solution

In a search for environment-friendly metal chelating ligands for industrial applications, the protonation and complex formation equilibria of N-bis[2-(1,2-dicarboxyethoxy)ethyl]aspartic acid (BCA6) with Fe(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) ions in aqueous 0.1 M NaCl solution were studied at 25°C by potentiometric titration. The model for complexation and the stability constants of different complexes were determined for each metal ion using SUPERQUAD. In all cases, complex formation was dominated by stable ML^4? complexes.     

Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Luminescence Property of [Co(hmz)_2(H_2O)_4]·2H_2O

A new mononuclear Co(II) complex, [Co(hmz)2(H2O)4]·2H2O, has been synthesized by the reaction of Co(CH3COO)2·4H2O with 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-mercaptotetrazole (Hhmz). It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/n with a = 13.502(5), b = 6.718(3), c = 13.972(6) , β = 117.532(4)o, V = 1123.9(8) 3, Z = 2, M r = 553.45, F(000) = 570, Dc = 1.635 g/cm3, μ = 1.008 mm–1, the final R = 0.0272 and wR = 0.0684 for 2194 observed reflections (I > 2σ(I)). The Co(II) is six-coordinated by two nitrogen atoms from two hmz–1 ligands and four water molecules, forming an octahedral geometry. The intermolecular hydrogen bonding and offset-panel π-π stacking interactions between the adjacent molecules extend the compound into a three- dimensional supramolecular framework. The title compound emits strong blue fluorescent light (λem(max) = 427 nm) at room temperature and is red-shifted compared with free ligand Hhmz (λem(max) = 342 nm).     

A fluorescent chemosensor for cobalt ions based on a multi-substituted phenol-ruthenium(II) tris(bipyridine) complex

An amide-linked 2,6-bis{[(2-hydroxy-5-tert-butylbenzyl)(pyridyl-2-methyl)-amino]-methyl}-4-methylphenol-ruthenium(II) tris(bipyridine) 2PF₆⁻ complex, 1, was first used to recognize Co(II) in EtOH/H₂O (1:1, v/v) solution, with the ruthenium(II) tris(bipyridine) moiety selected as a fluorophore and the multi-substituted phenol unit chosen as a receptor. The fluorescence quenching of 1 was attributed to the formation of an inclusion complex between multi-substituted phenol unit and Co(II) by 1:1 complex ratio (K = 2.5 × 10⁵), which has been utilized as the basis of the fabrication of the Co(II)-sensitive fluorescent chemosensor. The analytical performance characteristics of the proposed Co(II)-sensitive chemosensor were investigated. The sensor can be applied to the quantification of Co(II) with a linear range covering from 1.0 × 10⁻⁷ to 5.0 × 10⁻⁵ M and a detection limit of 5 × 10⁻⁸ M. The experiment results show that the response behavior of 1 to Co(II) is pH-independent in medium condition (pH 4.5–9.5) and show excellent selectivity for Co(II) over transition metal cations except Cu(II). The chemosensor has been used for determination of Co(II) in water samples.     

Mechanism of H(2) evolution from a photogenerated hydridocobaloxime

Proton transfer from the triplet excited state of brominated naphthol to a difluoroboryl bridged Co(I)-diglyoxime complex, forming Co(III)H, was monitored via transient absorption. The second-order rate constant for Co(III)H formation is in the range (3.5-4.7) × 10(9) M(-1) s(-1), with proton transfer coupled to excited-state deactivation of the photoacid. Co(III)H is subsequently reduced by excess Co(I)-diglyoxime in solution to produce Co(II)H (k(red) = 9.2 × 10(6) M(-1) s(-1)), which is then protonated to yield Co(II)-diglyoxime and H(2).     

Magnetic properties and molecular structures of binuclear (2-pyrazinecarboxylate)-bridged complexes containing Re(IV) and M(II) (M = Co, Ni)

Three novel Re(iv) compounds, the mononuclear complex Bu(4)N[ReBr(5)(Hpyzc)] (1) and the heterobimetallic complexes [ReBr(5)(mu-pyzc)M(dmphen)(2)].2CH(3)CN [M = Co (2), Ni (3)] (Hpyzc = 2-pyrazinecarboxylic acid, dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline), have been synthesized and their crystal structures determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of 1 consists of [ReBr(5)(Hpyzc)](-) complex anions and tetrabutylammonium cations, Bu(4)N(+). The Re(iv) is surrounded by five bromide anions and a N-donor Hpyzc monodentate ligand, in a distorted octahedral environment. The structures of 2 and 3 consist of dinuclear units [ReBr(5)(mu-pyzc)M(dmphen)(2)], with the metal ions linked by a pyzc bridge ligand, being bidentate toward M(II) and monodentate toward Re(IV). The environment of Re(IV) is the same as in 1, whereas M(II) is six-coordinate, being surrounded by four nitrogen atoms of two bidentate dmphen ligands and one oxygen atom and one nitrogen atom of the pyzc anion. The magnetic properties of 1-3 were investigated in the temperature range 2.0-300 K. 1 shows the expected magnetic behavior for a mononuclear Re(IV) complex with a weak intermolecular antiferromagnetic coupling at low temperatures. The bimetallic complexes exhibit an intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling between Re(IV) and the M(II) ion (Co, Ni).     

Observation of an Organic Acid Mediated Spin State Transition in a Co(II)-Schiff Base Complex: An EPR, HYSCORE, and DFT Study

The interactions of a weak organic acid (acetic acid, HOAc) with a toluene solution of the Co(II)-Schiff base type complex, (R,R')-N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexane-diamino Co(II) (labeled [Co(1)]), was investigated using EPR, HYSCORE, and DFT computations. This activated [Co(II)(1)] system is extremely important within the context of asymmetric catalysts (notably the hydrolytic kinetic resolution of epoxides) despite the lack of detailed structural information about the nature of the paramagnetic species present. Under anaerobic conditions, the LS [Co(II)(1)] complex with a |yz, (2)A(2)? ground state is converted into a low-spin (LS) and a high-spin (HS) complex in the presence of the acid. The newly formed LS state is assigned to the coordinated [Co(II)(1)]-(HOAc) complex, possessing a |z(2), (2)A(1)? ground state (species A; g(x) = 2.42, g(y) = 2.28, g(z) = 2.02, A(x) = 100, A(y) = 120, A(z) = 310 MHz). The newly formed HS state is assigned to an acetate coordinated [Co(II)(1)]-(OAc(-)) complex, possessing an S = (3)/(2) spin ground state (species B, responsible for a broad EPR signal with g ≈ 4.6). These spin ground states were confirmed with DFT calculations using the hybrid BP86 and B3LYP functionals. Under aerobic conditions, the LS and HS complexes (species A and B) are not observed; instead, a new HS complex (species C) is formed. This complex is tentatively assigned to a paramagnetic superoxo bridged dimer (AcO(-))[Co(II)(1)···O(2)(-)Co(III)(1)](HOAc), as distinct from the more common diamagnetic peroxo bridged dimers. Species C is characterized by a very broad HS EPR signal (g(x) = 5.1, g(y) = 3.9, g(z) = 2.1) and is reversibly formed by oxygenation of the LS [Co(II)(1)]-(HOAc) complex to the superoxo complex [Co(III)(1)O(2)(-)](HOAc), which subsequently forms the association complex C by interaction with the HS [Co(II)(1)](OAc(-)) species. The LS and HS complexes were also identified using other organic acids (benzoic and propanoic acid). Thermal annealing-quenching experiments revealed the additional presence of [Co(III)(1)O(2)(-)](HOAc) adducts, corroborating the presence of species C and the presence of diamagnetic dimer complexes in the solution, such as the EPR silent (HOAc)[Co(III)(1)(O(2)(2-))Co(III)(1)](HOAc). Overall, it appears that a facile interconversion of the [Co(1)] complex, possessing a LS ground state, occurs in the presence of acetic acid, producing both HS and LS Co(II) states, prior to formation of the oxidized active form of the catalyst, [Co(III)(1)](OAc(-)).     

A fluorescent chemosensor for copper(II) based on a carboxylic acid-functionalized tris(2,2'-bipyridine)-ruthenium(II) complex.

In this research, bis(2,2'-bipyridine)(4-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine-4'-carboxylic acid)ruthenium(II).2PF(6)- complex (1), was first used as a fluorescent chemosensor to recognize Cu(II) in EtOH/H(2)O (1:1, v/v) solution. The response of the sensor is based on the fluorescence quenching of complex 1 by binding with Cu(II). The analytical performance characteristics of the proposed Cu(II)-sensitive chemosensor were investigated. The sensor can be applied to the quantification of Cu(II) with a linear range covering from 5.0 x 10(-8) to 1.0 x 10(-4) M and a detection limit of 4.2 x 10(-8) M. The experiment results show that the response behavior of 1 to Cu(II) is pH independent in medium condition (pH 4.0 - 8.0), and show excellent selectivity for Cu(II) over other transition metal cations.     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of heterometal cyclic tetranuclear complexes [Cu(II)LM(II)(hfac)]2 (M(II) = Zn,Cu, Ni,Co, Fe,Mn; H3L = 1-(2-hydroxybenzamido)-2-((2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)amino)ethane; Hhfac = hexafluoroacetylacetone)

A series of heterometal cyclic tetranuclear complexes [Cu(II)LM(II)(hfac)](2) (M(II) = Zn (1), Cu (2), Ni (3), Co (4), Fe(5), and Mn (6)) have been synthesized by the assembly reaction of K[CuL] and [M(II)(hfac)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] with a 1:1 mole ratio in methanol, where H(3)L = 1-(2-hydroxybenzamido)-2-((2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)amino)ethane and Hhfac = hexafluoroacetylacetone. The crystal structures of 2, 4, and [Cu(II)LMn(II)(acac)](2) (6a) (Hacac = acetylacetone) were determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses. Each complex has a cyclic tetranuclear Cu(II)(2)M(II)(2) structure, in which the Cu(II) complex functions as a "bridging ligand complex", and the Cu(II) and M(II) ions are alternately arrayed. One side of the planar Cu(II) complex coordinates to one M(II) ion at the two phenoxo and the methoxy oxygen atoms, and the opposite side of the Cu(II) complex coordinates to another M(II) ion at the amido oxygen atom. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibilities revealed spin states of S(M) = 0, 1/2, 1, 3/2, 2, and 5/2 for the Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Fe(II), and Mn(II) ions, respectively. Satisfactory fittings to the observed magnetic susceptibility data were obtained by assuming a rectangular arrangement with two different g-factors for the Cu(II) and M(II) ions, two different isotropic magnetic exchange interactions, J(1) and J(2), between the Cu(II) and M(II) ions, and a zero-field splitting term for the M(II) ion. In all cases, the antiferromagnetic coupling constants were found for both exchange interactions suggesting nonzero spin ground states with S(T) = 2/S(M) - S(Cu)/, which were confirmed by the analysis of the field-dependent magnetization measurements.     

Synthesis of dipicolylamino substituted quinazoline as chemosensor for cobalt(II) recognition based on excited-state intramolecular proton transfer

A new fluorescent chemosensor for sensing Co(II) using di(2-picolyl)amino (DPA) as a recognition group and quinazoline as a reporting group has been synthesized and characterized. The quinazoline derivative contains an intramolecular hydrogen bond, which would undergo excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) at illumination. The fluorescence quenching is attributed to cation-induced inhibition of ESIPT, which constitutes the basis for the determination of Co(II) with the prepared chemosensor. The fluorophore forms 1:1 cobalt(II) complex with the logarithm of apparent dissociation constant log K(a)=6.8. The analytical performance characteristics of the proposed Co(II)-sensitive sensor were investigated. The chemosensor exhibits a linear response toward Co(II) in the concentration range 3.2 x 10(-8) to 1.4 x 10(-6) M, with a working pH range from 7.0 to 9.5 and high selectivity.     

Coordination complexes of 2-(4-quinolyl)nitronyl nitroxide with M(hfac)(2) [M = Mn(II), Co(II), and Cu(II)]: syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic characterization

Three new complexes of the formula M(2)L(2) derived from 2-(4-quinolyl)nitronyl nitroxide (4-QNNN) and M(hfac)(2) [M = Mn(II), Co(II), and Cu(II)], (4-QNNN)(2).[Mn(hfac)(2)](2) (1), (4-QNNN)(2).[Co(hfac)(2)](2).2H(2)O (2), and (4-QNNN)(2).Cu(hfac)(2).Cu'(hfac)(2) (3), were synthesized and characterized structurally as well as magnetically. Complexes 1 and 2 are four-spin complexes with quadrangle geometry, in which both the nitrogen atoms of quinoline rings and oxygen atoms of nitronyl nitroxides are involved in the formation of coordination bonds. For complex 3, however, the nitrogen atoms of quinoline rings are coordinated with Cu(II) ion to afford a three-spin complex, which is further linked to another molecule of Cu(hfac)(2) (referred to as Cu'(hfac)(2)) to form a 1D alternating chain. The magnetic behaviors of the three complexes were investigated. For complex 1, as the nitronyl nitroxides and Mn(II) ions are strongly antiferromagnetically coupled, consequently its temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility was fitted to the model of spin-dimer with S = 2, yielding the intradimer magnetic exchange constant of J = -0.82 cm(-1). For complex 2, the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility in the T > 50 K region was simulated with the model of two-spin unit with S(1) = 3/2 and S(2) = 1/2, leading to J = -321.9 cm(-1) for the magnetic interaction due to Co(II).O coordination bonding, D = -16.3 cm(-1) (the zero-field splitting parameter), g = 2.26, and zJ = -3.8 cm(-1) for the magnetic interactions between Co(II) ions and nitronyl nitroxides through quinoline rings and those between nitronyl nitroxides due to the short O.O short contacts. The temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility of 3 was approximately fitted to a model described previously affording J(1) = -6.52 cm(-1) and J(2) = 3.64 cm(-1) for the magnetic interaction between nitronyl nitroxides and Cu(II) ions through the quinoline unit via spin polarization mechanism and the weak O.Cu coordination bonding, respectively.     

Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Luminescence Property of [Co(hmz)2(H2O)4]·2H2O

A new mononuclear Co(Ⅱ) complex, [Co(hmz)2(H2O)4]·2H2O, has been synthesized by the reaction of Co(CH3COO)2·4H2O with 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-mercaptotetrazole (Hhmz). It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/n with a = 13.502(5), b = 6.718(3), c = 13.972(6) (A), β = 117.532(4)°, V = 1123.9(8) (A)3, Z = 2, M r = 553.45, F(000) = 570, Dc = 1.635 g/cm3, μ = 1.008 mm-1, the final R = 0.0272 and wR = 0.0684 for 2194 observed reflections (Ⅰ＞ 2σ(Ⅰ)). The Co(Ⅱ) is six-coordinated by two nitrogen atoms from two hmz-1 ligands and four water molecules, forming an octahedral geometry. The intermolecular hydrogen bonding and offset-panel π-π stacking interactions between the adjacent molecules extend the compound into a three- dimensional supramolecular framework. The title compound emits strong blue fluorescent light (λem(max) = 427 nm) at room temperature and is red-shifted compared with free ligand Hhmz (λem(max) = 342 nm).     

Determination of trace amounts of cobalt using 1-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol-6-sulfonic acid-Cu(II)-Co(II) competitive replacement complexation

The chromophore 1-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol-6-sulfonic acid (BPANS) has been used to sensitively complex Cu(II) and Co(II) in aqueous solution at pH 9.43. The spectral correction technique was applied to characterize the complexes, and results showed that both Cu(BPANS)2 and Co(BPANS)2 were formed. Trace Co2+ replaced the Cu(II) in the Cu-BPANS complex, so the competitive replacement complexation (CRC) was used to improve the analytical selectivity. A novel light-absorption ratio variation approach (LARVA) was described as one of the most sensitive methods. The combination of CRC and LARVA was applied to the quantitative detection of Co(II) at the ng/mL level. The limit of detection was only 2.0 ng/mL Co, and the analysis of water samples demonstrated satisfactory results.     

Selective fluorescent Hg(II) detection in aqueous solutions with a dye intermediate

A dye intermediate, 1-amino-8-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic acid sodium (ANDS) was first used to selectively recognize Hg(II) in aqueous solutions with its fluorescence being strong quenched. The fluorescence quenching of ANDS was attributed to the formation of an inclusion complex between Hg(II) and ANDS by 2:1 complex ratio (K=6.2 x 10(9)), which has been utilized as the basis of the fabrication of the Hg(II)-sensitive fluorescent chemosensor. The analytical performance characteristics of the proposed chemosensor were investigated. The sensor shows a linear response toward Hg(II) in the concentration range 2.9 x 10(-6) to 5.5 x 10(-5)M with a limit of detection of 5.3 x 10(-7)M, and a working pH range from 5.0 to 9.0. It shows excellent selectivity for Hg(II) over a large number of cations such as alkali, alkaline earth and transitional metal ions. The proposed method was utilized successfully for the detection of Hg(2+) in water samples.     

Mixed ligand complexes of Cu(II)-2-(2-pyridyl)-benzimidazole and aliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acids: Synthesis, characterization and biological activity

The synthesis and structural characterization of mixed ligand complexes derived from 2-(2-pyridyl)-benzimidazole (PBI) (1ry ligand) and aliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acids (2ry ligand) are reported. Cu(II) complexes were characterized on the bases of their elemental analyses, IR, ESR and thermal analyses. The elemental analysis indicated the formation of mixed ligand complexes in a mole ratio 1:1:1 (Cu:L(1):L(2)), L(1)=PBI and L(2)=oxalic acid, phthalic acid or malonic acid. IR spectra showed that PBI acts as a neutral bidentate coordinated to the Cu(II) via the pyridyl and imidazolyl nitrogen atoms. The dicarboxylic acids are bidentate with monodentate carboxylate groups. Thermal decomposition study of complexes was monitored by thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) analysis in N(2) atmosphere. The decomposition course and steps were analysed and the activation parameters of the nonisothermal decomposition were calculated from the TG curves and discussed. The isolated metal chelates were screened for their antimicrobial activities and the results are reported, discussed and compared with some known antibiotics.     

Effect of organic bicarboxylates on the structures of cobalt(II) coordination polymers derived from a semi-rigid bis(benzimidazole) derivative

Two new Co(II) coordination polymers, [Co(L)(glu)] (1) and [Co(L)(npht)]·H₂O (2) (H₂glu = glutaric acid, H₂npht = 3-nitrophthalic acid, L = 1,4-bis(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene), have been hydrothermally synthesized by self-assembly of cobalt chloride with a semi-rigid bis(benzimidazole) derivative and different organic bicarboxylic acids. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that complex 1 is a one-dimensional tube-like coordination polymer containing one helical [Co-L] and two linear [Co-glu] chains. In complex 2, two npht ligands connect two Co(II) atoms to form a binuclear [Co(npht)]₂ subunit, which is further linked by L ligands with two kinds of conformations to form a 3-D CdSO₄-like framework. In addition, the electrochemical behaviors of the title complexes in bulk-modified carbon paste electrodes, and their thermal stabilities and fluorescent properties were investigated in this paper.     

Studies on Binuclear Co(II) and Cu(II) Complexes of Tridentate N-(2-Carboxyphenyl)Salicylideneimine

Homo Cu(II) and Co(II) binuclear complexes H[MLClMCl₂] formed by using the donor properties of the cis two oxygen atoms of the tridentate N-(2-carboxyphenyl)-salicylaldimine Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and anthranilic acid have been synthesized. It was found that the Cu(II) “complexed ligand” readily reacts with CoCl₂ to form mononuclear Co(II) and binuclear oxygen bridged Co(II) complex [Co₂-L₂](H₂O)₂. The structure of the so prepared complexes was investigated using microchemical analysis, molar conductance measurements as well as electronic and vibrational spectral studies. It was concluded that in the Cu(II) binuclear complex, the Cu(II) ion inside the “complexed ligand” has a planar structure while the other Cu(II) ion is distorted away from planarity. In the Co(II) binuclear complex, the Co atom of the “complexed ligand” is distorted from tetrahedral structure when it coordinates to the second Co atom.     

Novel 3d-metal complexes with 1,2-diamino-3-(2-benzothiazolyl)-4(5H)-ketopyrrole: Synthesis,spectroscopic and structural investigations

A series of new 3d-metal complexes have been prepared by the reaction of M(CH₃COO)₂ (M = Zn(II), Co(II), Ni(II)) and 1,2-diamino-3-(2-benzothiazolyl)-4(5H)-ketopyrrole (HL) in a methanol (3) or a methanol/dmf (1, 2) medium. All the complexes have been studied by elemental analyses, electronic and IR spectroscopies. The zinc(II) complex 1 and the ligand HL have been investigated using the method of ¹H NMR-spectroscopy at various temperatures. The disappearance of the signal from one proton of the amino group H(5) in the spectrum of complex 1 confirmed the existence of the ligand in the deprotonated form. According to the data of the ¹H NMR-spectroscopy, the ligand HL is coordinated to zinc(II) through the nitrogen atom of the deprotonated amino group and the nitrogen atom of the benzothiazole substituent. These data are in agreement with X-ray structural studies for the ligand HL and the zinc(II) complex 1.     

Electrometric Studies on the Ternary Complexes of M(II) With Chlorpromazine and Some Amino Acids

 The stability constants for the binary M(II)- chlorpromazine hydrochloride (CPZ) and the ternary complexes M(II)-chlorpromazine-amino acid, have been studied using pH-measurements. The amino acids (aa) are: glycine, glutamic acid, histidine and the metal ions are: Cu(II), Zn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and UO₂(II). All experiments were carried out in the presence of 0.1 mol dm⁻³ KNO₃. The resulting stability constants of the binary and the ternary complexes were compared. It was observed that the stability of the ternary complexes-except for glutamic acid – are lower than of the binary ones. Received October 22, 1998. Revision March 14, 1999.     

Sulphuric acid influence on liquid-liquid extraction of Co(II) and Zn(II) by MIBK from NH(4)SCN medium

Liquid-liquid extraction of Co(II) and Zn(II) by methylisobutylcetone (MIBK) has been studied systematically from NH(4)SCN/H(2)SO(4) media. The influence of sulphuric acid concentration on the percentage of extraction of Co(II) and Zn(II) has been discussed. It is shown that sulphuric acid concentration has not the same effect on distribution curves of Co(II) and Zn(II). Thus, it is possible to have a separation of Zn(II) of Co(II) when [NH(4)SCN] is 0.5 mol l(-1) and [H(2)SO(4)] is about 2 mol l(-1). Under these conditions the separation factor (S(Zn/Co)) is around 580. The results are treated in terms of thermodynamic activities in aqueous phase, to determine the composition of the extracted complexes (M:SCN(-)) and to discuss the extraction mechanism.     

Preparation and characterization of Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes of a hexaazadithiophenolate macrocycle

The ligating properties of the 24-membered macrocyclic dinucleating hexaazadithiophenolate ligand (L(Me))2- towards the transition metal ions Cr(II), Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) have been examined. It is demonstrated that this ligand forms an isostructural series of bioctahedral [(L(Me))M(II)2(OAc)]+ complexes with Mn(II) (2), Fe(II) (3), Co(II) (4), Ni(II) (5) and Zn(II) (6). The reaction of (L(Me))2- with two equivalents of CrCl2 and NaOAc followed by air-oxidation produced the complex [(L(Me))Cr(III)H2(OAc)]2+ (1), which is the first example for a mononuclear complex of (L(Me))2-. Complexes 2-6 contain a central N3M(II)(mu-SR)2(mu-OAc)M(II)N3 core with an exogenous acetate bridge. The Cr(III) ion in is bonded to three N and two S atoms of (L(Me))2- and an O atom of a monodentate acetate coligand. In 2-6 there is a consistent decrease in the deviations of the bond angles from the ideal octahedral values such that the coordination polyhedra in the dinickel complex 5 are more regular than in the dimanganese compound 2. The temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal the magnetic exchange interactions in the [(L(Me))M(II)2(OAc)]+ cations to be relatively weak. Intramolecular antiferromagnetic exchange interactions are present in the Mn(II)2, Fe(II)2 and Co(II)2 complexes where J = -5.1, -10.6 and approximately -2.0 cm(-1) (H = -2JS1S2). In contrast, in the dinickel complex 5 a ferromagnetic exchange interaction is present with J = +6.4 cm(-1). An explanation for this difference is qualitatively discussed in terms of the bonding differences.